Nationwide fireworks ban in the Netherlands comes into effect in August

The start date for the nationwide fireworks ban in the Netherlands has been announced. From August 1, 2026, Dutch residents will not be allowed to set off consumer fireworks. 

The Netherlands moves forward with nationwide fireworks ban

The Dutch government approved a motion for a nationwide fireworks ban early last year, before introducing an exception allowing clubs, neighbourhood associations and other organised groups to apply for permits to set off organised displays. Now, the ban has been tightened further and will come into effect on August 1, 2026.

Adjustments to the ban include safety distances that groups must adhere to when setting off fireworks. The same distances that professionals follow will apply, which depending on the type of fireworks, are 15, 40 or 60 metres.

Another change announced in the government press release is that only associations or foundations with proven local ties to their municipality can apply for an exemption to the fireworks ban. This includes a neighbourhood association, sports club or dedicated fireworks association. 

According to NOS, a national information campaign will also be launched later in the summer, and drop-off days will be held for residents to offload any leftover fireworks they still have. 

Several Dutch municipalities will not provide fireworks permits

Since the announcement of the beginning of the nationwide fireworks ban, a number of municipalities have revealed that they will not be accepting applications for exemptions to the ban, reports AD. This includes 26 of the 31 municipalities in the province of Limburg, such as Maastricht, Heerlen, Weert and Roermond, as well as Amsterdam, Delft and Wageningen, among others.

The municipalities expect problems with enforcing the exemptions, including a shortage of enforcement workers and concerns about employee safety. Many municipalities that have had local fireworks bans in place in previous years have already struggled with enforcement, and having to ensure groups are complying with the permit could put even more strain on municipal inspectors.

Over the years, more and more people have been in favour of a nationwide fireworks ban. During the New Year celebrations of 2025/26, emergency rooms in the Netherlands saw a spike in the number of fireworks injuries, millions of euros of damages to private property were reported, and thousands of incidents of violence against police and emergency workers occurred.